Cargo screening apparatus

Abstract

The apparatus of the invention detects and reports the presence of electromagnetic energy which may interfere with flight systems, be associated with devices restricted from use onboard aircraft or may be used as a triggering means for a hazardous device. The apparatus includes a chamber ( 10 ) for containing object to be tested in an environment shielded from externally generated electromagnetic energy. The invention further includes equipment for receiving ( 30 ), detecting ( 40 ), and reporting ( 50 ) the presence of electromagnetic energy within the chamber ( 10 ). The invention is primarily for use in determining the presence of hazards in aircraft cargo but can easily be adapted for other uses.

1 . A detector system for detecting and reporting electromagnetic energy which may be associated with devices restricted from use onboard aircraft, comprising: 
 a) chamber means to isolate the test area from externally generated electromagnetic energy;    b) antenna means positioned within said chamber means to receive electromagnetic energy;    c) detector means connected to said antenna means for detecting said received electromagnetic energy; and    d) interface means connected to said detector means for reporting the presence of said electromagnetic energy.    
   
   
       2 . A detector system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the test area is shielded from externally generated electromagnetic energy.  
   
   
       3 . A detector system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the antenna means is a wide band multi-element device.  
   
   
       4 . A detector system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the antenna means is directional so that a specific location for the source of the electromagnetic energy can be determined.  
   
   
       5 . A detector system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the detector means for reporting any detected electromagnetic energy is connected to a human interface means for reporting the presence on said detected electromagnetic energy.  
   
   
       6 . A detector system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the detector means for reporting any detected electromagnetic energy is connected to a communication means for reporting the presence on said detected electromagnetic energy to a remote site.  
   
   
       7 . A detector system for detecting electromagnetic radiation comprising: 
 a) a chamber means to isolate the test area from externally generated electromagnetic radiation;    b) an antenna means positioned with said chamber means to receive electromagnetic radiation from a specified area;    c) a detector means connected to said antenna means for detecting said received electromagnetic radiation; and    d) an interface means connected to said detector means for reporting any electromagnetic radiation detected.    
   
   
       8 . A detector system as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the chamber is of sufficient size to fully contain a singular or plurality of aircraft unit load devices.  
   
   
       9 . A detector system as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the chamber has a singular or plurality of openings to provide for the ingress and egress of said test objects.  
   
   
       10 . A detector system as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the chamber is oriented to provide for linear transport of test objects through said chamber;  
   
   
       11 . A detector system as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the interface means is connected to recording means;  
   
   
       12 . A method for preventing hazardous items from being introduced in to air cargo or public conveyances or other areas of concern, comprising the steps of: 
 a) locating a suspect item in a test chamber shielded from externally generated electromagnetic energy; and    b) detecting within the test chamber electromagnetic energy which may be associated with a device used to trigger a hazardous device; and    c) identifying said item for additional examination.    
   
   
       13 . The method as described in  claim 12  further including the step of: 
 isolating said item.    
   
   
       14 . The method as described in  claim 12  further including the step of: 
 neutralizing said hazardous device.